How to refactor this database to allow sync. with smart clients?
- by Anton Zvgny
Howdy,
I have inherited the following database:
http://i46.tinypic.com/einvjr.png (EDIT: I cannot post images, so here goes the link)
This currently runs 100% online thru an Asp.Net web app , but some employees will need to have offline access to this database to either get documents or to insert new documents for later synchronization when back to the office.
What changes need to be made to this database scheme to support such scenario (sync smart clients with central web database)?
Thanks!
ps. I'm not an developer/dba, i'm just an mechanic engineer tasked with changing this app, so, take it easy on me :D
ps1. We're using MSSQL Server for the online central database and MSSQL Compact for the smart client.
ps2. the ImageGuid field of the images table is used to save the images to the file system. The web app takes the guid and create folders according to the first 3 initial letters to persist the image to the file system.
ps3. The users of the smart client not always get server data first and then go modifying to sync later the changes. Most of the time they start working completely offline (with a blank local database) and later sync the data to the server.
ps4. All the users of the smart client app have an account at the web app.